A Preliminary Study Of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability Of Proteomics

BackgroundAtherosclerotic plaque is one of the most important morbigenous factors. However, the mechanisms underlying plaque formation and progression are not completely known. Recent study believe that instability of the plaque plays an important role in the occurrence of nervous systems. Exploration of the affecting factors of carotid artery plaque stability, contribute to a deeper understanding of atherosclerotic pathophysiological mechanisms. Series of factors are found for affecting instability of the plaque, but none can perfectly explain the causes of plaque instability. In the present study, we expect new affecting factors by applying proteomics to human carotid artery plaque extracts.ObjectivesCompare the differences between the stable area and the instable area in the same vulnerable plaque by proteomics.MethodsThe criteria for plaque instability were the presence of a thin fibrous cap or fissured cap covering the foamy or necrotic core, and the presence of overt, hemorrhagic, ulcerated or thrombotic plaques. We divided3plaque from endarterectomy into stable and instable areas respectively. Proteins were extracted from finely minced specimens, and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Silver-stained gels were analyzed by Imager Master Platinum6.0software.ResultsA total of63distinct spots were reported by Imager Master Platinum6.0software, and10spots were believed to be meaningful by man. Compared to stable area, instable area showed reduced abundance in five of the ten spots, and more abundance in another five.Conclusions1. In the instable areas, discontinuous tunica intima, lipid deposition and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltrations can be seen. These features are probably directly related to the differences of protein content between stable and instable areas.2. There are differences in protein expressions between stable area and instable area from the same plaque. These proteins may associate with stability of carotid plaque, and could have some guiding significance in future clinical work.